I will be traveling from Cochin (Kerala) to Varanasi around the 12 August, and I'm short on time (I should meet some people in Varanasi as soon as possible). I tried finding trains with as few stops as possible, but didn't have much success. I've found flights from Cochin to Delhi (ca. 6000 Rs.) and from Cochin to Varanasi (12000 Rs.) but I'm on a budget and these flights are quite expensive. Does anyone know what would be the fastest way from Cochin to Varanasi by train? Or do I not have any choice but to book a flight in order to get there under 3 days? Thanks for your help!

or for combinations, try www.90di.com (but come back and ask advice on any combination routes, as good as 90di is, it's still just a website, and a human brain is better for complex combinations, or just basik airport-train station times.)

I will be traveling from Cochin (Kerala) to Varanasi around the 12 August, and I'm short on time (I should meet some people in Varanasi as soon as possible). I tried finding trains with as few stops as possible, but didn't have much success. I've found flights from Cochin to Delhi (ca. 6000 Rs.) and from Cochin to Varanasi (12000 Rs.) but I'm on a budget and these flights are quite expensive. Does anyone know what would be the fastest way from Cochin to Varanasi by train? Or do I not have any choice but to book a flight in order to get there under 3 days? Thanks for your help!

Florian

Cochin to Delhi by Rajdhani, and then on to Varanasi by another Rajdhani. If I remember correctly, there is only one direct train, and it takes longer.

Originally Posted by mazhaCochin to Delhi by Rajdhani, and then on to Varanasi by another Rajdhani. If I remember correctly, there is only one direct train, and it takes longer.

Unfortunately, the Rajdhani is taking 5.5 hours longer to reach Delhi than the Kerala express is taking to reach Jhansi, it could be because the Konkan route runs a slower timetable during the monsoon season.

Thanks you very much for your informative reply! I am still hesitating between taking a flight (expensive) or the train, but now I know which ones I would have to take! Much appreciated!
See you,
Florian

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